The sixth annual Future Food Forum entered its second and final day today, continuing to draw key industry stakeholders, government officials, and academia to Dubai. The event, which opened on October 2nd under the theme “Future Consumer, Future Government, and Future Food,” has already sparked vigorous discussions on sustainability and innovation within the food sector.

Plant-based meats have emerged as a central topic of conversation, not only in Future Food and the earlier concluded Gulf Food Green as well, with several panels exploring their role in the race towards sustainability and health. Attendees have been particularly interested in the potential of these novel alternatives to reshape food consumption and production patterns in the coming years. These innovative food products, designed to mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of conventional meat, are made from various plant sources such as soy, peas, wheat, and mushrooms. Proponents argue that plant-based meats offer a more sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional animal agriculture, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption. As consumer awareness of environmental and health issues grows, the plant-based meat market has seen significant expansion, with major food companies and startups alike investing heavily in research and development to improve taste, texture, and nutritional value.

The forum’s timing couldn’t be more relevant, with recent projections suggesting the GCC food and beverage sector will reach a market value of $128.2 billion by 2029. This growth potential has been a recurring theme in many of the presentations and roundtable discussions. Sustainability initiatives have been at the forefront of the forum’s agenda. A panel discussion set an ambitious target of reducing food waste by 50% by the year 2030, sparking intense debate on the feasibility and necessary steps to achieve this goal.

Experts at Future Food and the co-located ‘Free From Food Dubai’ have consistently emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, with several speakers highlighting the importance of partnerships across the supply chain. “We’re seeing a real shift in mindset,” noted one industry leader during this morning’s opening session. “There’s a growing recognition that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for business too.”With its blend of forward-thinking discussions and practical insights, the Future Food Forum is once again proving to be a crucial platform for shaping the future of food production, distribution, and consumption in the UAE and beyond. As one attendee put it, “What we’re discussing here today will be on our plates tomorrow.”